Apple is reportedly in discussions to expand its Major League Baseball (MLB) streaming offerings by acquiring the rights to broadcast Sunday night games on Apple TV+. This move would build upon the existing Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders that Apple has been streaming since 2022.
Current MLB Streaming Landscape
Since 2022, Apple has been streaming Friday Night Baseball doubleheaders on Apple TV+, providing fans with two games every Friday night without local broadcast restrictions. This initiative marked Apple’s first foray into live sports broadcasting and has been part of a broader strategy to enhance its streaming service with exclusive sports content.
ESPN’s Departure and New Opportunities
In February 2025, ESPN and MLB mutually agreed to terminate their national television agreement after the 2025 season. The existing seven-year deal, averaging $550 million per season, included rights to Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and wild-card games. ESPN’s decision to opt out has opened the door for other broadcasters and streaming services to vie for these coveted rights.
Apple’s Interest in Sunday Night Baseball
According to a report by the Sports Business Journal, Apple has emerged as a leading contender to acquire the streaming rights for MLB’s Sunday night games. While traditional media outlets like NBC are also in the running, Apple’s offer is reportedly more substantial. This potential deal would significantly enhance Apple TV+’s sports content portfolio and attract a broader audience to the platform.
Financial Considerations
Apple’s current arrangement with MLB for Friday Night Baseball involves an annual payment of $85 million. In contrast, ESPN’s previous deal for Sunday Night Baseball was valued at $550 million per season. If Apple secures the Sunday night rights, it would represent a significant investment in sports broadcasting. To offset these costs, Apple might consider offering the Sunday night games as part of the existing Apple TV+ subscription or as a separate paid service, similar to its MLS Season Pass.
Broader Sports Streaming Strategy
Apple’s pursuit of additional MLB streaming rights aligns with its broader strategy to expand into live sports broadcasting. In February 2024, Apple launched the Apple Sports app, providing real-time scores and statistics for various sports leagues, including MLS and NBA. Additionally, Apple has been the official streaming partner for Major League Soccer since 2023, offering the MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app.
Implications for Fans and the Industry
If Apple secures the rights to stream MLB’s Sunday night games, it would mark a significant shift in how fans access live baseball content. Traditional cable subscribers accustomed to watching Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN would need to adapt to streaming platforms. This move also underscores the growing trend of tech companies investing heavily in live sports content to bolster their streaming services and attract subscribers.
Conclusion
Apple’s potential acquisition of MLB’s Sunday night game streaming rights represents a strategic effort to enhance Apple TV+’s offerings and solidify its position in the competitive streaming market. By expanding its live sports content, Apple aims to attract a broader audience and provide fans with more flexible viewing options. As negotiations continue, the outcome could have significant implications for the future of sports broadcasting and the evolving landscape of media consumption.
